[Persistent neonatal hypoglycemia in nesidioblastosis of the pancreas]

A now 10 month old female infant suffered from persistent non ketotic neonatal hypoglycemia despite continuous intravenous application of glucose (greater than 10 mg/kg/min). There was only a transient response of blood glucose after intravenous administration of glucagon and prednisolon. Biochemical findings indicated hyperinsulinismus (insulin level of 26 mE/ml during hypoglycemia). Oral diazoxid treatment in high doses (22 mg/kg) stopped hypoglycemia episodes for several days but the newborn remained glucose infusion depended. Finally the treatment had to be interrupted because of vomiting. At the age of 4 1/2 weeks a subtotal pancreatectomy was performed. The histological examination of the pancreas confirmed the clinically suspected diagnosis of nesidioblastosis. After pancreatectomy the infant required insulin therapy. Since six months the girl is without insulin in a good condition. Despite periods of arrested head growth before pancreatectomy the psychomotoric development is normal.